Businesses, defense groups urge support for KC-46 basing at Rickenbacker
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Summary
Proponents including the Ohio Chamber and Central Ohio Defense Group told the Veterans and Military Development Committee that Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base is well-suited to host KC-46 Pegasus tankers and urged passage of HR243 to send a state-level signal to decision-makers.
Supporters of House Resolution 243 testified that Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in central Ohio should be considered a preferred site to host the U.S. Air Force's KC-46 Pegasus refueling aircraft.
Tony Long, general counsel for the Ohio Chamber, told the committee, "House Resolution 243 sends a clear signal from this body that Rickenbacker is ... the right choice" and noted Ohio's military installations contribute roughly $40 billion to the state economy. He told members a final basing decision by the Air Force is expected no later than 2027.
Steve Toogan, chair of the Central Ohio Defense Group, described Rickenbacker's operational advantages: long 12,000-foot runways, existing ramp and taxiway capacity, a modern flying-operations and simulator facility, low natural-disaster risk and proximity to defense customers. He also cited the 120th Air Refueling Wing's high mission tempo and manning rate as evidence of the base's readiness for new tankers.
Both witnesses urged committee support for HR243 as a way for the state legislature to communicate unified backing for Rickenbacker during the Air Force site-selection process.
The committee received additional written proponent testimony and concluded the second hearing on HR243; the Air Force's final basing decision remains pending.
